Protecting Consumers

FILING A CONSUMER COMPLAINT

If you’ve been victimized by fraud, deception, or unfair methods of competition, the Consumer Protection Division of the Illinois Attorney General’s office may be able to help. Although our attorneys cannot represent an individual in a lawsuit, our limited mediation program can assist in resolving disputes or complaints filed by individual consumers. Promptness in making a complaint decreases the likelihood that a fly-by-night operator will move, leave town, or go out of business before consumers can gain assistance.

For your convenience, the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan has posted downloadable complaint forms on our Web site. These forms may be downloaded and returned by regular mail to the appropriate bureau within the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan. To ensure that your form is processed efficiently, carefully review the form you have downloaded, supply all information requested, and include supporting documentation. The Attorney General's Office does not require that you provide your Social Security Number or information as to your citizenship status in order to file a consumer complaint.

The information you submit will be used by attorneys, investigators, and other members of the Attorney General’s staff involved in carrying out the functions, programs, and responsibilities of the Illinois Attorney General.

It is important that your consumer complaint is complete and that you provide copies of any supporting documentation to this office.  We will send your complaint to the party with which you have a dispute unless you advise this office not to do so. This information may also be shared with other governmental enforcement agencies responsible for consumer protection and other laws.

Complaint forms are public records, which are subject to the Freedom of Information Act just like other public records. If we receive a request for copies of records that include your complaint, we may be required to provide a copy of your complaint to the requestor. Information that would reveal your identity as a complainant is, however, exempt from disclosure and will be deleted from copies that we provide, allowing the requestor to read your complaint without compromising your privacy.

CONSUMER FRAUD HOTLINES:

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